With the domestic SA T20 having come to a fascinating close, attention turns to the South African national team and their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The Proteas have one of the most stacked squads in world cricket, particularly in the limited overs format but the ODI and T20 World Cups continue to elude them in the men’s game.
A home warm-up series against the West Indies lies in wait here, as both sides look to get their houses in order before the World Cup proper.
Few sides in world sport are as mercurial as the West Indies, and this should be a fascinating four-game T20 series, kicking off with the first encounter at Boland Park, Paarl, on Tuesday, January 27th.
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Claim Welcome Bonus!South Africa vs. West Indies – T20 Series Match 1 of 4 Predictions
Best Bet
Putting miles in the legs is the key area of focus for both sides here but at home, South Africa are a very tough nut to crack, especially in limited overs cricket.
Under Aiden Markram’s captaincy, there is a belief and assuredness about this Proteas side, and everybody seems to know their roles.
At the top of the order, Quinton de Kock is always the man to stop with the bat, while Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs are all absolute guns.
Control with the ball comes from the canny Keshav Maharaj, with the pace of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will strike fear into the West Indian batters.
For the tourists, this will be their first one off the plane in Paarl and with conditions sure to suit South Africa, they look a decent price to prevail in match one.
Same Game Multi
This will be an explosive encounter between two of the more unpredictable sides in world cricket and South Africa will need their biggest players to step up.
The form of Aiden Markram feels key if the Proteas are to have any chance of cracking it at the T20 World Cup and he will be looking to find form in familiar surroundings here in Paarl.
Should he hit his straps, when the Proteas should have a decent total to defend or be in a good position to chase, while Keshav Maharaj will be looking to provide his customary control with the ball.
Best Value Bet
Home advantage could be telling in the match result for South Africa, but West Indies are a side packed with talent and in Shai Hope, they have a proper player.
Hope continues to come of age on the world stage but he plays all conditions well and if he gets going here at Paarl, he could clear the rope more times than his team mates in this one.
